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[LA PAZ, 16 September 2008] - UNICEF in Bolivia has expressed concern for the use and presence of children and young people in violent anti-government demonstrations and riots which have been unfolding in the capital, La Paz, in the past few days. The opposition has clashed with the government in demands for greater autonomy and energy revenue and contest plans by President Morales to rewrite the constitution and distribute land to the poor. “Bolivia is a country which protects child rights, in our country, a child is defined as anyone under 18 years old”. UNICEF is urging the authorities to ensure the rights of all children are protected in all circumstances and says the State, institutions, communities, families, media and society in general is responsible for protecting child rights”, according to a press release. The country’s Children and Adolescents’ Code protects child rights, however, the use and presence of children in protests and violent confrontations violates their rights by putting them in situations of extreme vulnerability which affect their physical integrity and have a negative impact on their psycho-social development. At the same time, children who witness are victims of these events, are taught intolerance, discrimination and violence. The clashes are also jeopardising their rights to food, health, education, safety, protection and even leave them without parents. For these reasons, UNICEF is calling for the population of Bolivia and its institutions to defend and protect children’s rights and ensure that they are not caught up in the turmoil that could endanger their lives.